Six Screen-Free Ways to Spend a Family Half-Term

After what may have seemed a rather long January, we’re now firmly into February and with it – half-term. With unreliable weather and bank accounts still recovering after Christmas, this one can be particularly hard to fill. It can be easy to stay at home and spend a lot of time on screens – but there are far more fun things to do! Now don’t get us wrong, we’re not knocking screens completely. Other options are available though which can help your family make memories, learn new skills, come together and have fun. For foster children, there is the chance for new opportunities in a safe setting – so why not get planning now?

We’ve come up with six screen-free ways to spend a family half-term, with something suitable for all ages, budgets and abilities. Bring it on and love February a little more!

BECOME A PRO SCAVENGER

With almost endless options, both indoor and outdoor, scavenger hunts are free, easy to set-up and a great way to spend anything from ten minutes to two hours. All interests and abilities can be included with everyone working together or having a little healthy competition. There really are so many different scavenger hunt ideas.

HELP OUR FEATHERED FRIENDS

The colder weather can mean birds find it harder to find food, so why not serve up something homemade in your garden. The RSPB has a selection of simple ideas to start your very own Bird Café, helping children to discover more about their world and caring for it. Any size garden or even a window box will do and you could spend some time counting and identifying the different types of birds which grab a table at your café.

GO BLUE

For a fantastic evening out, The Blue Pool Nature Reserve are running Illuminate. Head out for a night adventure including a spectacular light trail, the UK’s longest rope bridge and marshmallow toasting. This one is a little more expensive, but great for all ages, even those teens who can find a host of Insta-worthy photo opportunities.

GET BAKING

Spend some quality (and possibly chaotic) time in the kitchen letting the children in your care learn new skills and create a tasty treat everyone can share. Brilliant for bonding and self-esteem, there are lots of child-friendly recipes for all ages and abilities. Yes chef!

SCOOT, SKATE OR RIDE

There are lots of family-friendly cycle trails in Dorset, or if it’s more of an inside day, why not try Ramp Rats in Parkstone? Unlike the great outdoors, you will need to pay (prices start from just over £5), but it does include everything children up to 10yrs need to scoot, skate or ride around happily – and a roof.

WALK IN THE NEW FOREST

Get some fresh air and burn off energy with a walk in the beautiful New Forest. There’s a family friendly walk at Bolderwood that’s less than half a mile and even includes the chance to watch some deer at the end. Remember the important phrase, “Det finns inget dåligt väder, bara dåliga kläder” (there is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing).

Have you got any top tips for half-term activities? Why not share them on our Facebook page and inspire other super foster carers? Otherwise, if you want to chat about half-term or anything else fostering, please get in touch. We’ll be making a traybake to take to the Blue Pool and practising our selfies.